10 Best Day Trips from Cusco

One of the best things to do in Cusco is to actually take a day trip or two (or three) while you are in the region. Cusco is so perfectly located that it makes for the perfect home base to explore the heart of the Inca Empire. Moreover, it is located relatively close to many of the Andes’ natural wonders. Day trips departing from Cusco allows visitors to see and experience the diverse landscapes of the Andes. In this post, I share 10 of the best Cusco day trips.

Disclosure: Booking your tour via the links in this guide will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Earnings will go back to the maintenance of the travel guides provided on The Thrill of Pursuit. Thanks for your support.

<3 Dominique

1) Machu Picchu – a World Wonder

Machu Picchu is considered to be one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It technically can be considered a destination all on its own in a separate post. BUT I think it would be a miss on my end if I don’t mention THE most visited attraction in the Cusco region. There isn’t a direct way to get to Machu Picchu. All roads to Machu Picchu starts as a Cusco day trip in some form.

Machu Picchu is extremely popular and is actually becoming endangered because of this popularity. The heavy foot traffic it has experienced in the last decades has made the ancient site vulnerable. To combat this, tickets to Machu Picchu are limited to circuits and time slots. All this to say, if you want to see Machu Picchu, you will need to plan your visit months in advance for your target dates and desired circuits to line up. I would say, start booking your Machu Picchu tickets four months ahead of when you want to visit. It takes a lot of leg work (figuratively and literally) to get to Machu Picchu, but it is oh so worth it!

2) Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is the area 20km/12 mi north of Cusco and is bordered by the Urubamba River and stretches between the town of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. It is a fertile region that served as the heartland of the Inca Empire.

In the Sacred Valley, you can expect to encounter dramatic landscapes, impressive Inca archaeological sites, and Andean communities full of living culture. The Sacred Valley is at a lower elevation than both Cusco and Machu Picchu and is therefore the ideal place to acclimate to the elevation of the Andes. The temperature down there is also more temperate in comparison to Cusco and Machu Picchu.

I would vote that the Sacred Valley is one of the top Cusco day trips not only because it’s a fascinating region but also because it would help manage altitude sickness upon your arrival to Cusco.

3) Vinicunca – the original Rainbow Mountain

Vinicunca is the most popular “Rainbow Mountain” that is located in the Cusco region of Peru. This is because it was the first multi-coloured mountain found in the region. While the mountain itself has been around for millions of years, the mountain was covered in snow and ice.

In the early 2000s, climate change started to melt all the snow off Vinicunca which revealed its colourful, sedimentary layers. The Peruvian government opened Vinicunca for tourism in 2015. Vinicunca or, more popularly, “Rainbow Mountain” soon became Instagram-famous.

Rainbow Mountain. Photo by fe31lopz on PixaBay

Vinicunca remains one of the most popular Cusco day trips. Most people go to Vinicunca to reach its summit for that perfect Instagram shot. The hike to/altitude of Vinicunca is no joke. I would only recommend this excursion if you have properly acclimated to the altitude in Cusco or at least, the Sacred Valley.

4) Palcoyo – the alternate Rainbow Mountain

My day trip to Palcoyo was one of my absolute favourites while I was in Peru. During that time, Palcoyo had JUST recently revealed its colourful, sedimentary layers. Palcoyo was quite unknown, internationally. In fact, I had pre-booked a tour to Vinicunca but was convinced by my G Adventures guide to cancel that tour and go to a place called “Rainbow Valley” instead.

I was about to hike the Classic Inca Trail in a couple days, so he sold me on “Rainbow Valley” on the following points:

• the elevation is way lower in comparison to Vinicunca
• at Palcoyo, you will see THREE colourful mountains
• the hike wouldn’t be strenuous at all
• it would be a lot less crowded than Vinicunca

I was so happy that I listened! Palcoyo is hands down one of my favourite Cusco day trips.

5) Pallay Poncho – the newest Rainbow Mountain

At the time of writing, Pallay Poncho is another alternate “Rainbow Mountain” that is relatively unknown. In 2020, a local man hiked up Pallay Poncho during the pandemic, in search for medicinal herbs for his parents. He was so mesmerised by the views that he took a picture and shared on Instagram. And that is how Pallay Poncho came to be known to the rest of the world.

Below are some key points that differentiates Pallay Poncho from Vinicunca and Palcoyo:

• Pallay Poncho has the lowest altitude of the three “Rainbow Mountains”
• the hike is of moderate difficulty
• one-way trip to Pallay Poncho would be a four hour drive from Cusco
• due to its remote location, Pallay Poncho would most likely be the least crowded of the three “Rainbow Mountains”

6) Humantay Lake

When I was acclimating in Cusco before my Inca Trail trek, I was faced with a choice most people acclimating in Cusco must make: Humantay Lake vs Rainbow Mountain. I opted for Palcoyo but I would have loved to see Humantay Lake if time permitted.

Humantay Lake is a glacial lake situated 4,200 m/13,800 ft above sea level. It used to be part of the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu but is now a destination considered all on its own. The lake is known for it’s turquoise hue. It’s water source is the glacial melt from the snow cap of Mount Humantay.

The drive from Cusco to the Humantay Lake trailhead is about three hours. The hike takes about two hours and is pretty steep. Ensure that you are adequately acclimated to the elevation before attempting this hike.

7) Seven Lagoons of Ausangate

Ausangate is the tallest mountain in Peru’s Vilcanota mountain range. There is a scenic trail at the foot of Ausangate that passes by seven breathtaking, glacial lagoons. The trial will also pass by Indigenous communities that will give trekkers an opportunity to learn about every day life in the Andes. The trek in itself isn’t difficult at all however it will be long travel day from Cusco.

The trek in itself isn’t difficult at all however the lagoons are at 4,500 m/14,800 ft above sea level. Make sure you are adequately acclimated to the elevation before embarking on this hike. And while the hike itself will take about two hours, expect a long travel day between Ausangate and Cusco.

8) Pikillaqta

Pikillaqta is a a massive archaeological site that is 20 km/12 mi east of Cusco. Unlike all other archaeological sites on this list, Pikillaqta is not an Inca site. It was built by the Wari civilisation and was occupied between 550-1100 CE. A day trip to Pikillaqta is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds at the better known Inca archaeological sites. Also, it offers a rare glimpse into the advanced engineering of the Wari culture.

The Full Cusco Tourist Ticket covers the entrance fee to Pikillaqta. If you do not wish to buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket, you can pay 70 S/ on site (make sure to bring cash).

9) Tipón Archaeological Park

Tipón Archaeological Park is one of the least-visited Inca archaeological sites in the South Valley, but that doesn’t mean it is any less impressive than the other sites. It has one of the most intact Inca-era irrigation systems. In fact, the fountains still work to this day. Tipón is found 22 km/14 mi east of Cusco in a town with the same name. Besides the archaeological site, Tipón is also the proud National Capital of Roasted Cuy (guinea pig).

The Full Cusco Tourist Ticket covers the entrance fee to Tipón Archaeological Park. If you do not wish to buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket, you can pay 70 S/ on site (make sure to bring cash).

10) Multi-day treks

On a post about the best Cusco day trips, it might seem out of place to talk about multi-day hikes. But Cusco’s proximity to so many natural wonders makes it the perfect base for multi-day active excursions that I feel like it would be helpful to add them to the list.

I left most of my belongings in a luggage room in Cusco while I hiked the Inca Trail for four days and three nights. This is necessary as there is a weight limit on how much stuff you can bring on the Inca Trail. I would imagine this is what others do for the other multi-day treks. In this section, I cover the most popular multi-day treks that depart from Cusco. As mentioned multiple times through this post, make sure that you have adequately acclimated to the elevation before embarking on these adventures.

Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is iconic. Imagine hiking in varied Andean landscapes, impressive archaeological sites, and all on the ancient Inca highway that once reserved for official royal functions. That’s what this four day hike entails. The Inca Trail hike ends when you step through the Sun Gate and get your fist glimpse of Machu Picchu – one of the wonders of the world.

Some additional notes on the Inca Trail trek:

• you need a permit to hike the Inca Trail
• you need to join a tour group in order to hike the Inca Trail (they will deal with the permits for you)
• Inca Trail permits and tours sell out MONTHS in advance
• for more details, check out my guide: Preparing for the Inca Trail in Peru

Salkantay Trek

Salkantay is known as one of the most spectacular peaks in the Andes. The Salkantay Trek, which is the most popular alternative to the Inca Trail, will take your through Salkantay. This four day hike will take you to Humantay Lake, past some epic mountain scenery, and finally to Patallaqta archaeological site. From the Patallaqta, you will get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. The trek ends in Aguas Calientes, the town at the foot of Machu Picchu. You don’t need a permit to do the Salkantay Trek.

Lares Trek

The Lares Trek is another alternate route to hike to Machu Picchu. This three day hike will take you through mountains around the Sacred Valley. Besides stunning landscapes, trekkers will also encounter remote, Andean communities. What makes the Lares Trek stand out from the Inca Trail and Salkantay Trek is the opportunity to interact with local communities and experience Peruvian culture. The trek ends at Aguas Calientes.

Choquequirao Trek

This five day trek ends at Choquequirao – considered to be Machu Picchu’s sister city. Choquequirao is even more secluded than Machu Picchu. The terrain is also considerably more difficult than the other previously mentioned treks. I would only recommend this route to experienced hikers. This trek is perfect for those looking to get away from the tourist circuit and for a challenge. You can fulfil your Indiana Jones fantasies on the Choquequirao Trek. Additionally, you can add two more days on this trek which will lead you to Machu Picchu.

Where to Stay in Cusco

• For budget travellers, check out Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi Hotel and Viajero Cusco Hostel.
• If you’re working with a mid-ranged budget, check out Hotel Rumi Punku and Hotel and Mirador Los Apus.
• For a more luxurious experience, check out Antigua Casona San Blas and Palacio del Inka.

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Do you have any favourite Cusco day trips? Do you have any questions for your upcoming trip? I would love to hear from you in the comments below!